XA/EVA Project Office Weekly Activity Report June 28, 2001
Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM)
EVA Project Office representatives supported the second EVA interface verification for the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) on June 19, 2001, at the MacDonald Dettwiler Robotics (MDR) facility in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. During the initial fit check visit on May 10-11, 2001, 44 bolts were considered failed by the NASA EVA Standard 7/16″ Bolt Head Gauge which indicated an oversized condition. This excessive number of suspect parts did not match past NASA experience with Canadian provided hardware, therefore a subsequent fit check session was scheduled to provide a means of clearing as many of the bolts as possible. Using the originally designed 12-point gauge, all but three of the previously failed bolts were found to be acceptable for the oversized condition. NASA deems all bolts that passed the 12-point gauge interface verification acceptable for flight per the EVA Project Office. The engineering community at JSC is working to determine why the 6-point gage failed bolts that pass with the 12-point gauge.
S1/P1 Pressurized EVA Line Routing Test
This week Boeing Huntington Beach conducted pressurized fluid line testing to ensure that all S1/P1 Thermal Control System (TCS) lines can be assembled and maintained within EVA crew and tool capabilities. The first 1.5″ lines are launched on 9A (S1) and are known to be too large for EVA handling unless favorably routed. This test was the third in a series: initial routings had been evaluated in April and October 2000, and deemed unacceptable. Several strategies were employed to improve line-handling characteristics including line lubrication, routing changes, and clamp changes. Most routings are now deemed feasible for EVA handling at flight pressures: specifically, S0-S1 segment-to-segment lines; most Thermal Radiator Rotary Joint Fluid Hose Rotary Coupler hoses; and all hoses interconnecting Radiators, Radiator Beam Valve Modules, and Radiator Beams. Two minor areas of concern remain: two crewmembers must simultaneously react hose loads to release QD’s at the interface between the Thermal Radiator Rotary Joint (TRRJ) and the Torque Box, and additional flex line length is needed to release one Fluid Hose Rotary Coupler line. The EVA Project Office predicts that NBL testing and clamp changes alone will resolve these concerns and that no major modifications will be requested in the forthcoming Crew Consensus Report.
Rendezvous and Proximity Sensor System (RPSS)
The EVA Project Office coordinated a quick-look NBL assessment of the new Rendezvous and Proximity Sensor System (RPSS). The RPSS is an orbiter subsystem upgrade planned to replace the radar function of the Ku-band antenna. The Space Shuttle Program Office has asked the EVA community to provide an impact assessment to the proposal of mounting the new antenna/radome on the orbiter docking system just above the airlock hatch. The quick-look results were “inconclusive,” and further NBL assessments are required before a final EVA consensus can be determined.
Bearing Module Roll Ring Motor BMRRM Vice Clamp Fit Check
A fit check was successfully performed at Boeing Canoga Park of a flight BMRRM Vice Clamp Contingency Tool to a flight Beta Gimbal Assembly (BGA) platform. This tool is being built for launch on 7Aa.1 in support of the BMRRM remove and replace preparation. Although the fit check was successful, the JSC team is waiting for engineering updates from Boeing Canoga Park that could drive a minor tool modification.
Original signed by:
G. Allen Flynt
Acting Manager
